Jinkeng Terraces

Introducing Jinkeng Terraces

The Jinkeng Rice Terraces were developed relatively recently, but visiting the Yao village offers a rich experience of Yao culture. Furthermore, the scale of these terraces is truly spectacular, surrounded by mountains on all sides, resembling a natural cenote. The opening credits of CCTV-12, as well as the promotional images and film and television productions often seen for the Longji Rice Terraces, are mostly based on the Jinkeng Rice Terraces.

The Jinkeng Rice Terraces are located in Dazhai Village within the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area. Home to the Red Yao people, they are also known as the Dazhai Red Yao Rice Terraces. The ancestors of the Jinkeng Red Yao migrated from the Dongting and Wuxi areas of Hunan, bringing with them advanced rice cultivation techniques. The fields in front of the Dazhai Village school are where these Red Yao ancestors first cultivated and harvested rice, marking the ancestral fields of the Jinkeng people.

The terraces are neat and orderly, with colorful lines, mainly curves. The curves give people a dynamic beauty, especially those long curves and wavy lines, which make people think that these terraces are like ribbons falling from the sky.

Climate and best time to travel

April-May is the flood irrigation period, September-November is the autumn harvest period

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

There are three viewing points in Jinkeng Dazhai Hongyao Terraces, namely Xishan Shaole, Dajie Thousand-Layered Ladder and Golden Buddha Peak.

Great World Thousand-Layered Ladder

You can see that the layers of terraces are like stairs going straight up to the clouds, just like a ladder to heaven.

Xishan Shaole

From here you can see Maoer Mountain in Xing'an and Fupingbao, the highest peak at 1,918 meters above sea level in Longsheng County's Longji Scenic Area. You can also admire 40-50 square kilometers of terraced fields. In the early morning, you can watch the sunrise and see the winding terraces, like dancing notes playing the music of the earth amidst the crowing of chickens, chirping of insects, singing of birds, the noise of pigs, cows, sheep, people, and the sound of streams, guarding the vicissitudes of life here.

Golden Buddha Summit

You can see the "Eagle Spreading Wings", "Golden Thread Hanging Gourd" and sunset.

Recommended play time: 1 day

Tickets

Included in the Longji Terraces ticket, the ticket is 100 yuan per person

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Jinkeng Terraces

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Jinkeng Terraces are a part of the Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin, created over 650 years ago. They are significant for their ingenious agricultural engineering and as a cultural heritage of the Yao and Zhuang ethnic minorities.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Located in Longsheng County, Guilin, Guangxi Province.
• Take a bus or taxi from Guilin city to Longsheng (approx. 2–3 hours).
• From Longsheng, local shuttle buses or taxis can reach Jinkeng Terraces.
• Walking is necessary to explore the terraces themselves, often on steep paths and stairs.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Open daily, typically from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Best times to visit: Spring (March–May) for lush green terraces, summer for planting season, autumn (September–October) for golden harvest colors.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance fees vary by terrace section, approximately 100–120 CNY. Tickets can be bought at the site or online via travel platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons (spring and autumn), 1–3 days in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–5 hours for a full hike and photography, longer if visiting multiple terraces or villages.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Jinkeng Grand Terrace – panoramic view of the main rice terraces.
• Water-filled terraces – best for reflection photography.
• Local villages – experience traditional Yao and Zhuang culture.
• Sunrise viewpoint – for capturing the morning light over the terraces.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese and limited English; self-guided visits are common.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Top of the main Jinkeng terraces for panoramic views.
• Along the stepped paths for perspective shots of the terraces.
• Near village edges for cultural and landscape combination photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start from the parking area → hike to the top viewpoints → explore terraces layer by layer → visit local villages → descend via the scenic path.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are generally not available. Special cultural experiences may be arranged in local villages by appointment.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Peak season (spring planting and autumn harvest) is crowded, especially weekends.
• Weekdays and off-season months (summer or winter) are less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Public toilets at key viewpoints and village areas.
• Small restaurants and tea houses in the villages.
• Rest areas and benches along hiking paths.
• Souvenir shops offering local crafts.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The terraces involve steep steps and uneven paths; suitable for moderately fit visitors. Elderly or disabled visitors may need assistance, and strollers are not recommended.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

• Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in shops and restaurants.
• Cash is useful for small village vendors.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Local village restaurants serving traditional Guilin cuisine.
• Small tea houses and snack stalls along the terraces.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal options are limited and may require prior inquiry.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Guesthouses and boutique hotels in nearby villages.
• Longsheng County hotels with access to Jinkeng Terraces.
• Homestays offering cultural immersion experiences with local families.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Ping'an Terraces – another famous terrace area nearby.
• Longsheng Hot Springs – relaxing natural springs.
• Local ethnic villages for cultural exploration.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Handmade textiles and crafts from Yao and Zhuang communities.
• Postcards and local rice-based products.
• Traditional jewelry and embroidery items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Return by taxi or shuttle bus to Longsheng County or Guilin city.
• Private car rentals for flexible travel between terraces.
• Local buses connecting to nearby scenic spots.